Lawmakers Eye New Abortion Restrictions In Indiana

Friday, February 15, 2019 at 7:37 AM

By Mike Perleberg and Benjamin Yount, 24/7 News Source

HB 1211 seeks to largely outlaw "dismemberment abortions."

Indiana Statehouse

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana lawmakers are once again looking at tougher rules for abortions in the state. 

The House's Public Policy Committee on Thursday heard hours of testimony a plan that would all but ban abortions in the second trimester, or after about 13 weeks of pregnancy.  Particularly, House Bill 1211 would make performing "dismemberment abortions" on a living fetus during or after the second trimester a level 5 felony, which can carry a sentence of up to six years in prison. 

Republicans said the plan is needed to avoid gruesome procedures on unborn babies, while Democrats complained that the state is stepping over the line. 

The bill does provide exceptions for situation where a second trimester abortion would prevent serious health risks to the mother or save the mother's life.

All of Indiana's abortion restrictions passed since 2013 have been scuttled by lawsuits in federal court. Opponents are promising the same with this plan if it becomes law. 

There was no vote on HB 1211 in the committee Thursday.

More from Local News


Events

Home & Outdoor Living Expo Planned for This Weekend

Three-day event coming to the Lawrenceburg Event Center

Two Airlifted from Head-On Crash in Aurora

The crash took place on Tuesday night near Car Country.

Milan '54 Team Member Gene White Passes Away

Our condolences to the White family.

ORVC Names Players of the Week for Jan. 19-24

Six student athletes earned weekly honors.

Milan to Debut Hickory Jerseys Against South Dearborn

The special occasion happens on Valentine's Day.

Nick Goepper Takes Silver at X Games

It is his 8th career X Games medal.

On Air

Fox News Fox News National Newscast 3:00
Vince Gill Don't Let Our Start Slipping Away 2:56
George Jones The Race is On 2:54
Chris Young Tomorrow 2:50